Cotton gathering and gleaning machine.



c. HOUGHTUN. COTTON GATHERINGAND GLBANING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED IIAILZE, 1909.

a 8 600 a9|0% Q slOI/ 8 0 3 2 Witnesses: Inventor:

Attorneys.

Patented N0v.2, 1909.

I SHEETS-SHEET 1.

. 0. G. HOUGHTON.

COTTON GATHERING AND GLEANING MAGHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.'25, 1909.

938,864, Patented Nov. 2, 1909.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Witnesses: m tor:

*5 $44M warze fljlu um mam @y 0. c. HOUGHTON. coTToN GATHERING AND (mums monmn.

urmoynon rmsn 11.26, 1909. s 938,864, Patented Nov.2, 1909.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

o. c. HOUGHTON. I COTTON GATHERING AND GLEANING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25, 1909.

938,864, I Patented Nbv.2,1909.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Flay.

Witnesses: Inventor: if. MM Marley .0. .lzzughfow, CM. Gav .v

Attorneys;

0. G. HOUGHTON.

COTTON GATHERING AND GLEANING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.25,1909.

.Patented Nov.2, 1909.

7 SHEETSSHEET 5.

Inventor: .flz'lgyillilzuglz EJL .ozagmh 0. G. HOUGHTON. COTTON GATHERING AND GLEANING MACHINE. APPLICATION ITILED MARh25, 1909 938,864 Patented Nov. 2, 1909. s

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

v Atto neys.

0. G. HOUGHTON.

COTTON GATHERING AND GLEANING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25, 1909.

Patented Nov. 2, 1909.

I SHEETS-SHEET '7- II III II sw m m L lllllllllllllll l I I I l n ifi. I| .l n. I hrn lhfll h .H l -"l .uql l h l l ih F l HJI I I l Lil Witnesses: if. 11/3 mm.

1 UNITED sTATEs rATENT OFFICE. v

OBLEY CLHOUGHTON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T HENRY BULLOCK AND JAMES E. BULLOCK, BOTH OI CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

A COTTON GATHERING AND GLEANING MACHINE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ORLEY C. HoUeHToN,

' a citizen of the United States, and resident of Chicago, Illinois, have invented certain parts and details 0 construction as hereinafter first fully set forth and described, and

then pointed out in the claims.

The object of this invention is the production of a cotton picker adapted to gather the scattered cotton which has dropped to the ground and which has'heretofore been collected by manual labor, no practical cotton picking machine having thus far been produced that will pick this cotton from the ground.

It is a well-known fact that when the,

' bolls ofcotton plants open, the lint is liable to drop down upon lower branches of the plants and also upon the ground ad- 'j'acent to the plants. A slight jar of the bushes, such as may be produced by an air current, or the plants entering a harvesting machine adapted to pick cotton from cotton plant portions, or other causes will invariably dislod .e somejof the cotton lint and cause it to rop to the ground, and since the few cotton icking machines now available for success lly picking cotton, are all designed to pick cotton from the plants only, and are incapable of picking cotton from the ground, this lint has heretofore been gathered by laborers, which makes the gathering very"expensive and often impossible owing to the scarcity of cheap labor in the cotton producing States.

My machine is, therefore, designed to follow the cotton harvesters heretoforemen tioned and to pick up such cotton as has not been gathered by these machines and toclean.

. such cotton from foreign matter such as portions of branches, limbs, bolls &c., and to deposit this cotton in suitable receptacles carr ed .on the machine. P

Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed March 25, 1909. serial No. 485,754.

' picked cotton Patented Nov. 2, 1909.

Generally speaking this machine com-.

prises one or more pivoted machine bodies having an axle and traction wheels in common, each of said machine bodies being provided with its own cotton picking mechanism, cleaning mechanism and means for tr'ansmittin the picked cotton to receptacles adapt I to receive the same. These machine bodies are so constructed as to be adaptedto follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each other and independently of the vertical movement of the same caused by the traction wheels when moving over undulated ground, and they are provided with means adapted to prevent the cotton picking'means proper from entering the ground, these means serving at the same time as compressors to force the loose cotton upon the round and to hold limbs and branches of t e plants upon the ground while the picking means proper are removing the cotton therefrom. a

The picking mechanism proper comprises, preferably, a series of, rotating disks spaced a suitable distance apart and having means on their periphery to pick the cotton, revolv ing brushes bein provided to remove the mm the picking means proper, .and an air-current producing apparatus, such as a rotary fan blower, to trans:

mit the cotton to the receptacles adapted to receive the same. There 1s also provision made for dislodging cotton from the plants,

and scraping means for' pushing the cotton on the ground in the path of the picking mechanism to enable thelatter to pick that cotton which is not directly in the path of the picking means. Another feature of this machine is the introduction of means in the duct through which the cotton is conveyed to the baskets; of means for separating sand, grit, and other fine matter, from the cotton, and also means for separating the cotton from the trash, such. as limbs and branches, &c.,-and to collect the same in a receptacle adapted to receivethe same, so that only clean cotton is delivered to the baskets.

In order to'accomplish these objects I construct this'machine as shown in, the drawings already mentioned, and in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved cotton picking machine. Fig. 2 is i Fig.3 is, a lon ituminor details of construction being omitted.

' Fi 8 is a side elevation of one ofthe cylin er bearing brackets, and Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the arm carrying the mainchain ti htening rolleror sheave. Fig. 11 is a side e evation of the bearin s for one end of the cylindershafts and or the driven ear wheel by which the fan shaftis rotated. ig. 12 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 13 is a plan of this ,bearin the arm and the chain-tightener assemble Fig. 14

is an elevation of a fragment of the cotton picking means and the rate. Fig. 15 is an end elevation of,one o the rate bars detached.- Fi 16 is a sectiona elevation on line b b of ig. 17, and Fig. 17 is a plan of the inner bearing for the cylinder shaft. Fig. 18 is a lan of the inner bearings for the main ax e. Fig. 19 is a sectional elevation of the same on line 0 0 of Fig. 18.- Fig. 20 is a plan of outer bearings of the main axle, and Fig. 21 a sectional elevation of the same on lined d of Fig. 20. Fig. 22

is a sectional elevation of the cylinder socalled, it being the picking mechanism complete. Fig. 22 is an elevation of a portion 'of the cylinder. Fig. 23 is a plan of a portion of one of the picking disks. Fig. 23 is a sectional view of a fragment of the said disk on line 9 g of Fig. 23. Fig. 24 is an elevation of a ortion of the fan and brush mechanism. ig. 25 is a fragmental plan of a modification of the device shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a plan of a part of the fan-plate illustrated in Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is a rearelevation of the machine showing the machine bodies tiltedor inclined from their vertical plane, and Fig. 28 is a lan of a part of the an wheel detached. ig. 29 is a diagrammatic plan of the machine bodies and illustratin details of construction and the locationo the strippers and the scrapers. Fig. 30 is a rspectiveyiew of one of the scrapers detac ed. Fig. 31 is a plan, in part in section, of the-scraper on line h h of'Fig. 30.:

' Like parts are designated b correspondin charactersand symbols 0 reference in al the various figures.

A in the drawings designates the right hand, and. B the'left hand machine body as seen from the-rear end thereof and looking forward. These two machine bodies are 'ournaled or pivoted upon a single axle, eretofore designated the. main axle C, said axle having at each end a traction wheel I),

there being but two of these traction wheels fim the machine. On the outermost sides 1 and 1 of these machine bodies and near the rear ends thereof, there are cylinder bearing brackets E, shown in detail in Figs. 8 and 9, wherein are pivoted shaft bearings F,-illustrated in detail in Figs. 11, 12, and 13, there being in this member a bearing 2, Fig. 1-2, for the reception of the cylinder shaft 3-. In this connection I will here state that the construction of these machine bodies with all theircontaining parts and appurtenants is alike except where otherwise stated,'that is to say, the parts are the same exce t that they are rights and lefts, and I shal therefore, describe these parts in the sin ar number.

he cylindei shaft 3 has on one end a journal 4, and upon this shaft 3 there are located a series of circular disks G, spaced a suitable distance apart by annular separating disks 5, said shaft 3 being screwthreaded at 6 and 7 respectively, to receive clampin disks or nuts 8 and 9, by which the dis s and separators are removably secured to.the shaft 3.

H desi ates a grate consisting of a series of curve bars shown in detail in Figs. 14 and 15. These bars are placed between the disks G and also on the outside of the enddisks, and. they are'removably attached with their up er ends to an angle-bar 10, and with their lower ends to a cross bar 11, by means of screws or bolts 12. This grate forms a partition or wall between that portion of the machine body containing the picking mechanism and a receptacle 38, located at the rear end of the machine body and into which ortions of the disks G enter, and to which ticularly refer.

10.5. shall hereinafter more par- To the spokes 13, and on the outer side of the traction wheel D there is securely fastened a main sprocket wheel I, and u on the outer end of the cylinder shaft-3 t ere ,is located a driven rocket wheel 14, adrive chain 1 5 connect1ng these two sprocket wheels'in the usual manner. Near the outer end of the shaft 3 and adjacent to the driven sprocket wheel 14 there is a spur gear wheel -17 meshing with a gear'pinion 1 8,secured to the outer end of a short shaft 19, which revolves in a bearing 20, formed on the cylinder shaft bearing F, theinnerendof said [shaft 19 carryingla driver s rocket wheel ere 21, for the ob ect after to e referred to. This cylinder shaft bearing is pivoted in the bracket E u on set-screws 22, Fig. 8, enaging cup-s aped de ressions 23 in said aring F,.the outer ing F where it is engaged by said set screws .being smaller than the o ening 24 in the bracket E to emit of ateral movement of the bearing in the bracket E to enable iameter of the bearslack in a drive chain 95, hereinafter to be referred to, being taken up when required.

On the bearing arm F there is an auxiliary arm 25, to which is mova'bly secured an arm 26, by a bolt 27 passing through-a slotted aperture 28, Fig. 10, said arm 26 having also an annular bore 29, engaging a correspondingly shaped extension 30, on said bearing armF, and serving as a pivot for the auxiliary arm 26. To the .outer end of the'arm 26 there is pivoted or journaled a sheave 300,- which sheave isi-n line with the main drive chain 15, and serves as a tightener are secured, preferably wooden, bars 36,

having aseries'of brushes 37, which brushes reach the outerperiphery of the disks G and .are adapted to remove from said disks thecotton lint that has been picked by the picking mechanism.

The rear end of the machine bodies is I curved at 137 toprovide. the receptacle38 already mentioned in which the trash that j duct J, as

has been intercepted byithe grate may collect and from which this trash maybe readily removed.

As already stated there are. in the machine bodies outer walls 1 and l", and there are also inner walls a and 6 respectively. The walls in each machine body are secured to longitudinal bo'ttom angle. are 39 and longitudinal top angle bars 40, the latter bemg connected transversely by the angle bars 10, and 42, while the longitudinal angle bars 39 are. connected bythecross-bar 11. Then there is securely fastened to the longitudinal bottom angle bars a bottom plate 43, and to the longitudinal top angle bars 40 a top plate 44, and a curved top plate 45 secured to curved bars-46,'thereby roducinga very strong .hollow machine bo y well designed to receive the mechanisms described, said body terminating in a gradually contracted clearly illustrated in Figs. '1 and 3. v

Theupper, innerlongitudinal angle bars 40 have extensions47', to the forward end of which are fastened foot-plates 48, by means of which. the machine bodies may be independently lifted at their rear ends by the operator mounted upon the seat 49 standing upon either or both of the footplates 48, as the case may be. To these exbeing in said hanger a slottedaperture m,

for the passage of the main axle C, said hanger having cheeks 51,. provided 'with transverse holes 52, through which a pin 53,

- Figs. 2 and 18, may be passed. By lifting the machine bodies A and B on their inner opposing sides, these machine bodies may be inclined from their vertical position and retained in this inclined position by passing the pins 53 over the axle C, as shown 1n Fig. 2-7, sothat, as is, usually the case in cultivating cotton, the ground adjacent to the cotton plants may be-hilled, and the picking mechanism at the rear end of the machine body be substantially parallel with the ground. These hangers K are secured-to the extensions 47 by bolts 99, passing through bolt-holes 54 in said brackets and 1n the extensions.

The outer longitudinal top bars 40 are provided with extensions 90. similar .to the extensions 47., except that they are shorter, and they' are fitted with bearings N, illustrated in detail in Figs. 20 and 21, there being atapering bore 91, in said bearings for the passage of the axle C, which bearing forms, as it were, the pivotal point for the machine body, in conjunction with the bear ing bracket K, said bearing 91 being bored tapering so as to enable the axle C to assume the inclined position when the body is tilted. The brackets N are secured to the extensions by bolts 92 passing throughbolt-holes 93 in said bearings and the extensions 90.

' This cotton picking machine is to be propelled by a team ot animals, hitched to a,

-pole 55 by a double tree 56, and a pair of swingle trees bolted to yokes 57, Fig. 2, on the ends of the swingle tree. This pole connects with the main axle Q by a cross bar 58,

58 is downwardly bent to afford two parallel members 62, carrying at their lower ends axle-bearings L, shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5, said bearings L having openings 63,, for the assage of the axle C, and set-screws 64, to .asten the same to the axle C, thebear ngs L being, fastened tothe ends of thespiral springs 66 connecting the angle bars 59 and 60 with the cross bars 41; and in order to retain the machine bodies in an elevated position at their rear ends, when desired, as for instance, in movingitoand from the field, in turning in'the field &c., there are secured to the cross angle bars 41,

rods 67 havingnear their upper ends a number of-chain links 68, and terminating in handles 69. These chain links, as shown in detail in Fig. 6, pass through sockets 70 secured to the angle-bars 59 and 60 respectively, said sockets 70 having a circular" passage for the chain links and a narrow slot-71 wide enough only to readily pass a chain link endwise, so that in order to lift the rear end of a machine body'the operator pulls therespective handle69 until the desired elevation of the rear end of the machine body is sustained, and then slides the proper chain link 68 into the narrow slot 71 when the next succeedin chain link above the socket, being crosswise ofthe slot- 71,'will hold the machine bodyin the elevated position.

Tofisupport the rear ends of the machine bodies upon the. ground when picking cotton, and at the same time to revent the picking disks from entering t e ground,

there are laced near the rear end of each machine ody, and on the under side thereof, and in advance of the picking mechanism, but in close proximity thereof, shoes 80, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. These shoes, while being moved over the, cotton field, will press down upon the ground all cotton wili hin their reach so that the picking mechanism may pick the same;.they will also hold 'to the ground any limbs or branches of cotton lants that may be within their reach while the picking mech anism is-removing the lint therefrom.

I have heretofore stated that the disks G are adapted to pick cotton, and .I'shall now describe the means. that are employed forthis. purpose. These disks have their pe riphery serrated or provided with teeth similar to saw -teeth 85, as shown in' Figs. 1, 3 and 14, but theymay also and preferably be constructed as shown in Figs. 22, 23, and 23, in two parts in the process of casting, the main body 114 being a lain circular diskhaving in one face a suflicient number of recesses 86 to receive removable teeth 87. These teeth may be, and I shall prefer to use, nails, which are very cheap and can be renewed at a trifling cost,-.b.ut I may also use wire or bristle. brushes should. such use he found desirable or necessary. When emplcyingdisks having inserted teeth, I shall I place a cover plate 89, over the recessed facev of the disk 114 toretain the inserted teeth in osition.

n the outer end of thefan shaft 32 there I 'is'securely aflix'ed a driven sprocket wheel 3 will revo ve as much faster than the-main driving sprocket wheel J, as is necessary to These baskets and in substantiall semi-circular form. On

width of said ment of the'machine, while the gearing 17 I and 18, and the chain drive to the fan shaft will give to the latter sufiicient speed to produce the required air-current in the duct J to carry the cotton to baskets M, located at the forward pint of the machine bodies.

, I prefer to make of canvas,

the upper ends'o these baskets I provide rods'72 and 73, to which latter rods one end of the canvas is attached, and below the rods 72 I provide further rods 74, to which i the other end of the canvas is secured, the

distance between the rods 72 and 74 being approximately equal to the height of the duct J near its forward end, and the width of the baskets a proximately e ual to the act, so that t e baskets M will be carried upon the ends of the duets with one end, the opposite end being carried by rods 75, as clearly shown in the drawin These rods 7 5 are hooked to the rods 73 Wlth one end and they have near their opposite end notches 76, adapted to enga e brackets 77, secured to a transverse ang e ar 78, fastened to the pole 55 in any suitable manner. The upper ends of these rods 75 terminate in handles 79, located within convenient reach of the operator when seated u on the seat 49. This mechanism is designe to enable the baskets M being lifted at their forward ends whenever necessary to pass over obstructions or for other obvious reasons. The tendency of the rods 75 is to draw the baskets M rearwardly on'the ducts J, and

in order to prevent their being wedged upon the tapering ends of the ducts, there are located upon, or on the side of, the top plate 44, stops 112, Figs. 2 and 3, which sto s engage the rod 72 in such manner that t e basket M may be readily withdrawn therefrom when required, as in the case of the basket being filled with cotton and it is de'siredto remove the same, and for" other obvious' urposes.

In or er to stiffen the construction of the running gear of this machine there are provided brace rods 81, Figs. 1, 2, and 3,'that connect the angle bars 59 and 60 with the parallel members 62 of the. cross bar 58; and in order to provide for the escape of any dust, sand,; and other foreign matter that may be passing through the duct J, there is in the bottonb plate 0 each machine body a suitable opening covered with a fine wirescreen or cloth 82,Jas illustrated in Fig. 2.

I have heretofore described the fan wheel astbein provided with transverse bars 36 to who the brushes 37 are aflixed. This construction may, however, be modified by bending'the fan plates 35 at right angles at their outer longitudinal edges to provide a in any convenient manner.

. It is well known that the bolls of cotton plants do not all open at the same time or approximately at the same time, in fact some of these bolls ma not open within a month or longer after tie first ones have broken open, and in Fig. 1, I have shown a cotton plant which is a substantial reproduction of a photograph of a cotton lant and which illustrates the average condition of these plants at the harvest time, and shows thata considerable portion of the lint has dropped upon the ground, while other portions are still adhering to the open bolls or to limbs and branches of the cotton plant, and in order to dislodge this cotton from the plants, I locate in the space. between the machine bodies, and sufiiciently in advance of the picking mechanism, a stripper consisting, preferably, of two approximately vertical bars 94. These bars are attached to" the machine bodies by brace-rods 97, and they are spaced sufliciently close to strip any loose cotton from the plants while passing the'same, and cause it to drop to the ground; and in order to ush this cotton on the ground in the path 0 the'picking mech-' anism, I locate in the space between the machine bodies, and in the rear of the stripper but in advance of the picking mechanism, scrapers Q, shown in detail in Figsy29, 30, and 31, said scrapers comprising blades 100, secured to angle bars 113, pivoted to bodies 103 each of which has a boss 107, said boss 107 being adapted to receive a shaft 101, oscillating in bearings 102 secured to the under side of the lower longitudinal angle bars 39. The angle bar 113 has a rearwardly extending boss 108, terminating in a cylindrical shank 109, adapted to oscillate in a correspondingly bored boss 212, formed on the body 103, there being a groove 110, in the shank 109, and a setscrew 111, in the boss 212 to hold the scraper proper movably to the boss 212, said groove 110 being also adapted to limit the oscillatory movement of the scraper proper,by not extending around the entire periphery of the shank 109. The forward member 106 of the angle bar 113 moves close to the ground and prevents the scraper from entering the same, and it being pivoted to the body 103 and the latter free to oscillate on its shaft 101 this scraper is adapted to follow the undulations of the ground independently of the movement of the machine body, whether the latter is in a vertical. or an inclined position. There being two of these scrapers in the space between the machine bodles and inclining rearwardly,these scrapers push the cotton on the ground and within their reach outwardly in the path of the picking mechanism to enable the latter bodies adapted to follow the undulations to pick the same, as already stated. The

rear portion 103 of the scraper body serves as, a counterweight "to approximately balance the scraper upon the p1voting shaft 101, a slight preponderance of weight being in the scrapers proper to cause them to lie close to the ground but not enough sons to cause them to enter the ground.

I will here state that the running gear of this machine comprises that portion thereof by which the machine bodies are moved and from which they are suspended, said running gear com rising the pole 55, the two rearwardly an outwardly projecting bars 59 and 60, the transverse bar 58 withits downwardly projecting parallel members 62, the brace rods 81, the main axle C, and the two traction wheels D. This running gear I have designed as being the simplest, yet very strong and substantial means for carrying the machine bodies, but other and different running -gears may be employed or a four-wheeled truck may be substituted without departing from the scope of m; invention, and where I claim in the a joining claims a running gear I desire it to-be understood that any suitable running gearjs referred to.

In claiming a machine body or machine of the ground over which the machine is being moved, I desire it understood that such a machine body is so pivoted that that portion thereof which contains the picking mechanism is free to' follow the undulations scribed may be resorted to without departing from the sco e of my invention.

border to li lower branches of the cot: 115 ton plants to prevent them from coming in contact with the pickingjmechanism, I locate in the space betweenthe machine bodies lifters P, which are tapering, preferably sheet metal bodies secured to the inner opposing walls of the machine bodies slightly in advance of the picking mechanism. In-order that ready access may be had to the picking mechanism, the curved plate 104 over the same and serving as a cover, is

hinged to thecurved plate 45 by hinges 105,

and rests with its free end on the transverse angle bar 10, as clearly illustrated in Figs.

1 and 3.

Having thus fully described this inven- 3 running gear, there said runmn tion, I claim as new and desire to secure to me by Letters Patent of the United States- 1. A cotton picking) machine including a eing a main axle in said runmn gear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being placed a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass" bodily between them thepassage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being ivoted to said main axle independentl of the other and free to follow the un ulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, and cotton icking mechanism in each of the two mac ine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants.

2. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there eing a main axle in said runmg gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies being placed a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to saidmain axle independentl of the other and free to follow the un ulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved; means for preventing the free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground; and cotton icking mechanism within each of said mac ine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants.

3. A cotton pickingmmachine including a running ear, there ing a main axle in gear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being placed a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being ivoted to said main axle independentl low the un ulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved; means for reventing the free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground, said means being locatedat the rear ends of said ma chine bodies, and cotton picking mechanism within each of said machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjac'ent to theucotto'n plants.

4. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there bein a main axle in said running ear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being placed a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at its rear end to follow the undulations ofi the ground over which the machine is being moved, and cotton picking mechanism in eachof .the two machinebodies and adapted to pick cotton of t e other and free to folfrom the ground adjacent to the cotton plants.

5. A cotton picking machine including a I running gear, ere being a main axle in said running ear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being placed a sufficient distanceapart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies bein pivoted to said main axle independently o the. other and'free at its rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, means for preventing the free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground, and cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants.

' 6. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a. main axle in said runmn gear, two machine bodies, said machine b ies being placed a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed bein unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at its rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved; means for preventing the free ends of said. machine bodies from entering the ground, and cotton picking mechanism in each of the said two machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground, said means being lrcated at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

7. A cotton pickin machine including arunning' gear, there ing a main axle in said runnin gear, two machine bodies, said machine b0 ies being'placed a suiiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is, being moved, and cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies, said pickin mechanisms being lo-' cated at the rear en of said'machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants.

8. A cotton pickin machine including a running gear, there eing a main axle in said runnl'n gear, two machine bodies, said machine ies bein placed a sufficient distance-a art to permit cotton plants to-pass bodily fie being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies,

tween them the passage thus formed said picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said-machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the groundadjacent to the cotton plants, and means for preventingrthe free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground.

9. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in saidrunnmg gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies bein placed a sufiicient distance apart to permlt cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed; each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants, and means for preventing the free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground, said latter means and the cotton picking mechanisms being located at the rear end of said machine bodies;

10. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced a suflicient distance apart to permitcotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each .of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle machine bodies being spaced a sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at its rear end to 'follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved; means for preventing the free ends,

chine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at its rear end to tollowthe undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved; means for preventing'the free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground, said 'means being located at the-rear end of each of said: machine bodies, and cotton picking mechanism adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants. L

13. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear, twfomachine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced a sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage .thus formed beingunobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at its rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved and cotton picking mechanism in eachof said machine bodies and adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants, said picking mechanism being located atthe rear end of each of said machine bodies.

14. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced at suflicient distance apart-to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed beingunobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said 'main axle independently of the other and free at its rear-end to follow the undulations of the ground over. which the machine is being moved; means to prevent the free ends of said machine bodies from entering the ground, and picking mechanism adapted to'pick cotton from the ground adjacent to the cotton plants, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

15. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear, there being amain axle in said running gear, two machine bodies, sa d machine bodies being spaced a suflicient dlS- tanceapart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and 'free at its rear end ,to follow the undulations ofthe ground over which the machine is being 0 said runnin gear, two machine bodies, said machine bo es being placed a sufliclent distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the assage thus formed being unobstructed, eac of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, and cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies, saidcotton picking mechanism including rotating disks and means on said disks to pick cotton from the ground adjacentto cotton plants.

17. A cotton pickingemachine including a running gear, there ing' a main axle in said runnin gear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being spaced a suflicient distanceapart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the assage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axleindependently of the other and free atits rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, and

cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine'bodies, said cotton pickin mechanism including'rotating disks, an -means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent .to cotton plants.

18. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said runnm gear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being spaced a suflicient distance apart to ermlt cotton plants to pass bodily between t em, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of each other and free at their rear ends to follow the ground over which the machine is being moved, and cotton pick' mechanism in each of said machine bodles, said cotton picking mechanism including rotating disks and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said cotton picking mechan ism being located at the rear end of each of said machine-bodies.

19. A cotton pic machine including a running gear, there ing a main axle in said runn v gear, two machine bodies, said machine bo ies being placed a suflicient distance apart to perm1t cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of each other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, and cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies, said cotton picking mechanism including rotating disks and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said cotton picking mechan ism bei located at the rear end ofeach of said mac ine bodies.

20. A cotton picking-machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in 'said running gear; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle, and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other, and cotton picking mechanism rotating disks there being picking fingers projecting from the periphery of said dlSkS adapted to pick cotton from t e ground over which the machine is moving and adjacent to cotton plants.

21. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle, and spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily-between them, the passage thus formed bein unobstructed, each of said machine bodies eing free at its rear end to follow the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other, and cotton picking mechanismin each of said machine bodies and including rotating disks, there being picking fin ers projecting from the peripheries of said isks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants,

22. A cotton picking machine includingia said running gear; two separate machine bodies )ivoted to said main axle, and spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to passhodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free to follow the undulationsof the ground over which plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed bein unobstructed, each of said machine bodies eing free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other, and cotton picking in each of said machine bodies and including.

the machine is being moved independently.

to pick cotton from the running gear, there being amain axle m a sufliclent distance apart to permit cotton mechanism in each of said machine bodies and including rotating disks, there being picking fingers projecting from the periph cries of said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

24. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle, and spaced a sufficient distance apart to permit ,cc ton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being. unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies, said cotton picking mechanism including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the groundadjacent to cotton plants, said means including picking fingers, said picking fingers being removably in serted in said disks.

25. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle, and spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies including rotating disks, and means.

on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said means including picking fingers, said picking fingers being removably inserted in said disks.

26. A cotton picking machine including a running gear; there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle and spaced a. sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, independentlyof the other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said means including picking fingers projecting from the peripheries of said disks, said picking fingers being removably secured to said disks, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

27. A cotton picking machine including a running gear; there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said m'ain axle and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass. bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which themachine is being moved independently of the other; cotton picking mechanism ineach of said machine bodies and including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said means including picking gers projecting from the peripheries of saiddisks, said picking fingers being removably secured to said disks, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

28. A cotton pickin machine including a running gear, there ing a main axle in said runmn gear, two machine bodies, said machine b ies being placed a" sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them the passage thus formed being unobstructed, eac of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independentlyof the other; cotton picking mechanism in each ofsaid machine bodies including rotating disks, and means'on said disks adapted to pick cottonfrom the ground adjacent to cotton plants, the means on said disks including pickin ringers projectin from the eripherles 0 said. disks, sai picking fingers being pointed.

29. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies being placed a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said' machine bodies including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, the means on said disks including picking fingers projecting from the peripherles of said dlsks, said picking fingers being pointed.

30. A cotton picking machine including a running car, there being a main axle in said runnlng gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies being placed a sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus adapted to pick cotton from the ground ada ground over which the machine is being 'sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton other; cotton picking mechanism in each of formed being unobstructed, each of said 1 machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies including rotating disks, and means on said disks.

jacent to cotton plants, the means on said disks including picking fingers projecting from the peripheries of said disks, said picking fingers being pointed, the picking mechanism being located at the epd of each machine body.

31. A cotton picking machine including a running gear, there being a main axle in said running gear, two machine bodies, said machine bodies being placed a sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said ma-. chine bodies'being pivoted to said main axle independently of the other and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the moved independently of the other; cotton icking mechanism in each of said machine Bodies including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, =the means on said disks including picking fingers projecting from the peripheries of said disks, said picking fingers being pointed said picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

32. A cotton picking machine including a running gear; there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced a plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each said machine bodies and including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, the means on said disks including pickin fingers projecting from the eripherles o sald disks, said picking gers being pointed and removably secured to said disks.

33. A cotton picking machine including a running gear; there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus fo'rmedbeing unobstructed, said machine bodies being free at their rear ends to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, the means on said, disks including picking fingers projecting from the peripheries of said disks, said picking fingers being pointed and removably secured to said disks.

34. A cotton picking machine including a running gear; there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced. a sufiicient distance apart 'to' permit cotton plants to pass l )dily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, the means on said disks including picking fingers projecting from the peripheries of said disks, said picking fingers being removably secured to said disks, said picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

35. A cotton picking machine including a running gear; there being a main axle in said running gear; two separate machine bodies, said machine bodies being spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them,the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and including rotating disks, and means on said disks adapted" to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton lants, the means on said disks including pic ing fingers projecting from the peripheries of said disks and removably attached to said disks, said pickin mechanism being located at the rear end 0 each of said machine bodies.

36. In a cotton picking machine a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between tacle at the rear end of each of said machine bodies, a compartment in front of said receptacle, and a slotted wall between the com- L 38.-A cotton partnient and the receptacle through which the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward the receptacle.

37. A cotton picking machine including a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle and spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being free at their rear ends to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently ofeach other; cotton picking mechanism in each'of said machine odies and including rotating disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton iplants; a receptacle at the rear end of each 0 said machine bodies, a compartment in front of said receptacle wherein said picking-disks are located, and a slotted wall between thec'ompartment and the receptacle through which the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward the receptacle.

picking machine including a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to passbodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each-other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and including rotating picking disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; a compartment wherein said picking-disks are located; a receptacle adapted to receive the gathered trash, and a slotted wall between the compartment and the trashreceptacle through which the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward the trash-receptacle, said picking mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said machine bodies.

39. A cotton picking machine, including two machine-bodies pivoted to the main axle and spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, said machine bodies being free at their rear ends to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each other; cottonpicking mechanism in each of said machine- 'bodies and including rotating picking-disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; a compartment near the rear end of each machine-body, and a trash-receptacle at the rear end of each machine-body, there being a slotted wall between the compartment and the trash-receptacle throughwhich the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward said trash-receptacle, said picking-mechanism being located at the rear end of each of said compartments.

40. A cotton picking machine including a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; cotton picking mechanism in each of said machine bodies and including rotating disks adapted to pick "cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; a receptacle at the end of each of said machinebodies within which trash may be collected; a compartment within which said picking mechanism is located; a grate affording a dividing wall between the trashreceptacle and the compartment in each machine body through which the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward the trash-receptacle, said cotton picking disks being adapted toprotrude from the lower end of said machine bodies to pick the scattered cotton;

' 41. A cotton picking machine including a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies pivoted. to said main axle and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed beingunobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of each other; cotton picking mechanism-in each machine body I and including rotating disks; a receptacle at the rear end of each machine body within which trash may be collected; a compartment in each machine body wherein the picking mechanism .is located; a grate affording a dividing wall between the trash receptacle and the compartment in each machine body through which the pickingdisks protrude from the compartment toward the trash receptacle, said cotton picking mechanism being adapted to protrude from the lower end of said machine bodies to pickthe scattered cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants.

4-2. A cotton picking machine including a running gear including a main axle; two

separate -machine bodies pivoted to said main axle. and spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being free to vfollow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other, each machine body. comprising cottonpicking mechanism including rotating disks;. a receptacle at the rear end wherein trash is adapted to be received; a compartment wherein the picking mechanism is located; a grate afl'ording a dividing wall between the said receptacle and the compartment through which the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward said receptacle, said picking disks being adapted to protrude from the lower end of the machine body, and means for preventing the pickin disks from entering the ground over whic they are moving to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants.

43. A cotton picking machine including a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies pivoted to said main axle and spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodilybetween them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies 1 being free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground independently of the other, each machine body comprising cotton picking mechanism including rotating disks; a receptacle at the rear end wherein trash is adapted to be received; a compartment wherein the picking mechanism is located; a grate affording a dividing wall between the said receptacle and the compartment through which the picking-disks protrude from the compartment toward said receptacle, said picking disks bein adapted to protrude from the ower end 0 chine body; means for preventing the picking disks from entering the ground over which they are moving to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants, said means being located at the end of said machine body.

44. A cotton picking machine com rising a running gear including a main ax e; two separate machine bodies spaced a sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is bein moved independently of the other, there %eing in each machine body cotton picking mechanism.

adapted to pick cotton from the ground adj a cent to cotton plants; means for removing the gathered cotton from the picking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cottonto receptacles adapted to receive the same.

45.. A cotton pickin machine com rising a running gearinclu ing a main ax e; two

separate machine bodies spaced a sufiicient distanceapart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free at the rear end to follow the undulations ofthe ground over which the machine the ma.

to follow the undulations of independently in each machine body cotton picking mech-i is being moved independently of the other,

there being in each machine body cotton icking mechanism adapted topick cotton rom the ground adjacent to cotton plants;

means for removing the gathered cotton from the picking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same.

46. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a mainaxle; two

separate machine bcdies spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants-to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being. unobstructed, each. of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axleand free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is bein moved independently of the other, there %eing in each machine body cotton picking mechanism adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for removing the gathered cotton from the picking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of said machine body.

47. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is bebeing in each machine body cotton picking mechanism adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for removing the gathered cotton from the pi cking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same, said cotton picking mechanism beinglocated at the rear end of said machine body. i

48. A cotton picking machinecomprising a running gear including a main axle two separate machine bodies spaced at sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to" pass bodily between them,the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each ofsaid .bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free the ground over which the machineis being 'moved of the other, there being adapted to receive the same.

49. A cotton picking machine comprising bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; there being in each machine body cotton picking -'mechanism adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for separating the picked cotton from the trash; means for removing the picked cotton from the picking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same.

50. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies spaced a sufficient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed. each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and tree. to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved, independently of, the other; there being in each machine body cotton picking mechanismadapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for separating the picked cotton from the trash; means for removing the picked cotton from the picking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of said machine body.

51. A cotton picking machine comprising;

a running gear including a main axle; two' separate machine bodies spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other, there being in each machine body cotton picking mechanism adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for separating the picked cotton from the trash; means for removing the picked cotton from the picking mechanism, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same, said cotton picking mechanism being located at the rear end of said machine body.

A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved-independently of the other, there be-. ing in each machine bod cotton pickin mechanism including rotatmg disks adapte to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; 'means for removing the picked cotton from the picking disks and including brushes adapted to enter the space within which the picking disks are revolving and to intercept the cotton thereon, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same.

53. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies spaced a suflicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other; there bein ton picking mechanism including rotating disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for removing the picked cotton from the picking disks and including brushes adapted to contact with the peripheries of' the picking disks and to intercept the cotton thereon, and means for transmitting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same. i

54. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a main axle"; two separate machine bodies spaced a sufiicient distance apart to permit cotton plants to pass bodily between them, the passage thus formed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivoted to said main axle and free to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the other, there being in each machine body cotton picking mechanism including rotating disks adapted to pick cotton from the ground adjacent to cotton plants; means for removing the picked cotton from the picking disks and including brushes adapted to contact with the peripheries of said picking disks to intercept the cotton thereon, and means for transmitin each machine body cot-- ting the picked cotton to receptacles adapted to receive the same, said cot-ton picking mechanism being located at. the rear end of said machine body.

55. A cotton picking machine comprising a running gear including a main axle; two separate machine bodies spaced a sufiicient distance apart to' permit cotton plants to ass bodil between them,-the passage thus ormed being unobstructed, each of said machine bodies being pivotcd to said main axle and free at the rear end to follow the undulations of the ground over which the machine is being moved independently of the 

